First Mrh-90s Here

[Luig]

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22758135-31477,00.html

Black Hawk replacements here for tests
Mark Dodd | November 14, 2007

THE first two of 46 MRH-90 helicopters on order for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) have been delivered to the Australian Aerospace facility in Brisbane and are now being prepared for test flights.

Costing $3.35 billion, the Eurocopter-built multi-role helicopters will replace the army's Black Hawk fleet and the navy's ageing Sea Kings.

The two helicopters, built predominantly from fatigue-resistant carbon fibre, were delivered in a leased Antonov transport and unloaded at Brisbane airport on Tuesday night, a defence department statement said.

The helicopters were purchased under the Air 9000 Program to provide the ADF with a modern fleet of troop-lift choppers designed for land and maritime operations.

The first four MRH-90 helicopters will be built at the Eurocopter factory in Marignane in France while the remaining 42 aircraft are being assembled in Brisbane.

"The MRH-90 aircraft will be returned to flying condition after transit, and test flown by Australian Aerospace flight test crews in preparation for delivery to the Commonwealth," the statement said.

Details of the helicopter contract were first announced in August 2004 with an order for 12, but this was later revised to 46 MRH-90 along with a comprehensive support package including full flight mission simulators.

[Luig]

Get Yer MRH90 Pics here:

http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/2007/nov/20071115/index.htm

[Mick Raftery]

And here .....

Finally gottem !

Hangar flypast today by "KESTREL BLACK" formation comprising A40-002, A40-003 and A17-005 being readied for this week's handover of the first two overseas assembled MRH90s.

This post has been edited by Mick Raftery on Dec 17 2007, 03:05 PM

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[Mick Raftery]

And the Pussers one !




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[Brendan Cowan]

Thanks Mick,

Now for the formation shots!

Interesting that the NAVY machine is in the same scheme as the ARMY eggbeaters!.

Cheers

BC

[Mick Raftery]

Thanks Brendan - unfortunately the weather was less than desired and the Kiowa camera-ship refused to flutter into the same frame !

Mick


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[Brendan Cowan]

Well done Mick,

I've got to admire your quick response!

Well done and thanks


BC

[cj0203]

Have seen the odd one flying over Amberley last 2 weeks.
Trying to catch up to a Huey!
chris

[Brendan Cowan]

Here's the official acceptance press release:


Tuesday, 18 December 2007 001/2007

AIR 9000 PROGRAM – AUSTRALIAN MULTI-ROLE HELICOPTERS ACHIEVE IN-SERVICE DATE MILESTONE

The Hon Greg Combet MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement has announced the acceptance into service of the first two Australian Defence Force MRH-90 Multi Role helicopters (MRH) during a ceremony at Australian Aerospace facilities in Brisbane today.

Representing the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP, Minister for Defence, Mr Combet welcomed the arrival of the aircraft on behalf of the Government, the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and industry representatives.

Acquired under Project AIR 9000, a total of 46 MRH 90s will ultimately replace the Navy’s Sea King and Army’s Black Hawk fleets in the coming years.
Minister Fitzgibbon offered his congratulations to all involved in the project.

‘The successful achievement of the aircraft’s scheduled in-service date represents a major accomplishment for the project team and Australian defence industry.

‘Australian Aerospace, Defence Materiel Organisation, contractors and all those associated with the project should be proud of their work. On behalf of the Government I congratulate you all on a job well-done.’ Mr Fitzgibbon said.

During the ceremony, attended by senior Defence and industry representatives, Mr Combet commented on the valuable capability offered by the new helicopter.

‘The MRH 90 will provide our sailors and soldiers with a new troop lift helicopter designed to meet the demands of modern combat operations over land and from ships at sea. The fleet will also provide valuable additional air mobile support for the wider Australian Defence Force.’ Mr Combet said. Mr Combet noted that 42 of the helicopters will be assembled in Australia. Project AIR 9000 will create over 150 new jobs, mostly in South East Queensland. The project also assures the continuation of over 250 more jobs that were coming to an end with the completion of other Defence projects.
The MRH 90, the first true fly-by-wire helicopter in the world, is equipped with a Forward Looking Infra Red system for flight in low light and has the same pilot Helmet Mounted Sight and Display as used in the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter. It has a larger cabin than the current troop lift aircraft and can lift greater loads and carry more troops than the helicopters it is replacing.

A period of test and evaluation, training and aircraft development will now be conducted leading to Initial Operational Capability for Navy in 2010 and Army in 2011.

Media contacts:
John Peters (Greg Combet):
02 6277 4771 or 0417 692 545
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

[Mick Raftery]

Weather didn't improve much for the handover !

Some quick snaps :-




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[Mick Raftery]

and ..

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[Mick Raftery]

and ..

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[Mick Raftery]

Pick the nose ...

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[Mick Raftery]

A slight improvement with the formation pair, Brendan !

Mick

( Now to catch the first locally assembled Kestrel ! )

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[darren.crick]

thanks for the info and great images mick...

I have been swapping emails with some people about starting the MRH90 page on our website... should be with us soon...

[Mick Raftery]

Thanks and look forward to that Darren.

Certainly is a great looking and sounding machine - the challenge will be to get all 46 ( then the Kiwi bunch ! ) as they roll out for test flights.

Mick

[Tim D]

A few from me -

This post has been edited by Tim D on Dec 19 2007, 01:27 AM

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[Tim D]

First one landing

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[Tim D]

Second one...

This post has been edited by Tim D on Dec 19 2007, 01:33 AM

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[Tim D]

Camera ship

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[Tim D]

One last angle (I wish I was able to get two in one shot like Mick!) Well done mate.

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[Brendan Cowan]

Thanks Folks,

That's great coverage.

If only they had kept a few wokkas airworthy just a bit longer.

A fromation shot of the MRH-90's with the types that it replaces (Iroquios, Sea King and Black Hawk) would have been great!

BC

[Luig]

Thanks for the pics. More Guvmnt pics here:
http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/2007/Dec/20071218b/index.htm

[Brendan Cowan]

And now the simulator deal announcement:

Department of Defence Media Mail List
------------------------------------------------------------------------

CPA 500/07 Wednesday, 19 December 2007

DEFENCE SIGNS $180 MILLION CONTRACT WITH CAE TO PROVIDE MRH-90 HELICOPTER TRAINING TO AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCES

Defence today announced that CAE, partnered with Thales, has been awarded a contract to provide MRH-90 helicopter flight simulators for Australian Army and Royal Australian Navy pilot training.

As the prime contractor, CAE will have overall responsibility for delivering the two simulators for a contract value of AUD$180 million.

The MRH-90 Full Flight and Mission Simulators will be delivered in 2012 to new training facilities being constructed at the Army Aviation Training Centre at Oakey, Queensland, as well as the 5th Aviation Regiment located in Townsville.

“These MRH-90 Full Flight and Mission Simulators are critical to the training of Army and Navy helicopter crews in the demanding military aviation operational environment,” said Major General Tony Fraser, Head of the Helicopter Systems Division for the Australian Defence Force.

“The CAE lead team, with Thales support, builds on the experience of providing flight simulators to the Australian Defence Force, as well as the NH-90 programs for other nations.”

46 MRH-90 multi-role helicopters are being acquired for the Australian Army and Royal Australian Navy, with the first two having been delivered on 18th December 2007. The MRH-90 is the first fly by wire helicopter in the world and will provide the Australian Defence Force with the next generation airmobile and fleet support helicopter.

“The two simulators will be of the highest capability (level D) and will enable the aircrew training to match the capabilities of this outstanding helicopter, so that we can best support our sailors, soldiers and airmen on operations,” said Major General Fraser.

Media contact:
Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

[Tim D]

Would anyone be able to provide me with the construction numbers of these two helos?
Thanks in advance,
Tim

[Warhawk]

Hey,..wonder what happened to A41-001?

Guess no longer

See below

Afterall if the Navy gets one, the Army gets one, why can't the RAAF get one??

35Sqn Reconstituted? LMGO

This the season to be cheeky

Gordy :P

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[Mick Raftery]

( Well if it's still the cheeky season ! )

Any truth in the rumour that the RAAF version, camouflaged with white primer, is being test-flown at a secret location ?




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[Mick Raftery]

A40-004 arrived in Brisbane today. Delivered by C-17.

Mick




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[al_macdonald18]

Yes it arrived in C-17A A41-206 which was still there a while later. After start up and engine runs it appeared to have one smoky engine and eventually shut down again, so maybe that's what delayed its departure.
A40-994 carried the number 1107 beneath the serial number so presume that to be the c/n.
Alan

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[Warhawk]

Hey Mick,

you sure that wasn't the white primed scale MRH-90 with some trick photography?

See it done with Saucers,..without cups

Good eyes Alan has too!!

Best
Gordy :D

[Brendan Cowan]

And now, days after the photos have been posted here on ADF-Serials, here is the official ministerial announcment of the arrival (without any mention of smoky C-17 engines)!



Minister for Defence Media Mail List
------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement

Wednesday, 25 June 2008
030/2008

MULTI-ROLE HELICOPTER DELIVERED BY RAAF C-17

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement, Mr Greg Combet, today announced that Australia’s third Multi-Role Helicopter, MRH04, has been transported to Australia by a RAAF C-17.

“The delivery of the latest Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) by C-17 is a major capability milestone demonstrating the ability to deploy the helicopter globally once it is ready for operational service.”

“The C-17 was on the return leg of an operational task and this activity has capitalised on a great opportunity to bring the MRH to Australia early. This is the first time, worldwide, that a helicopter of this type has been transported in a C-17. It is a significant achievement by Defence and Industry,” Mr Combet said.

“The third MRH90 will provide an increase in capacity for the test and training program for Defence’s new troop lift and maritime support helicopter,” Mr Combet said.

“The helicopter will now be prepared for acceptance by the prime contractor, Australian Aerospace, and staff from the Defence Materiel Organisation.”

“Following successful completion of acceptance testing, Defence anticipates that MRH04 will be accepted in July 2008, after which the helicopter will be delivered to the 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville to join the test and training program,” Mr Combet said.

The MRH90 is being procured under Project Air 9000. The objective of the project is to acquire additional troop lift capability for the ADF and provide a replacement for the Black Hawk and Sea King helicopters.

Among other tasks these helicopters will also enhance the ADF's capability to operate off the troop ships, Landing Platform Amphibious (LPA) HMAS Manoora and HMAS Kanimbla, which will provide a boost to our regional defence capabilities.

Still imagery is available at http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/index.cfm

Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet): 02 6277 4771 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

[Mick Raftery]

Gordy - almost trick photography but the only trick is finding a spot to commit photography !

Alan - apologies for missing you at the Boeing Hangar gate but I was trying to get a closer look before it was locked away. Then I wanted to get the C-17 engine start and taxi but that was a bit of a smokey fizzer.

Interesting to note the A330 in the background at the International Terminal. Last combat troops had just arrived home from Iraq in this aircraft.

A41-206 touching down with the latest Kestrel. Will dig out a pic of the local ibis guard of honour !

Mick

[Mick Raftery]

Third MRH90 touchdown :-




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[Mick Raftery]

And welcomed by the locals :-




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[darren.crick]

Len Avery sent me these...

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[darren.crick]

I know you cant see mch of -004 in the last one, try this...

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[Warhawk]

Oi

Wingless Hawk Reports "Saw in the Brisbane Skies today,..unpainted yellow primer fuselage and blue door MRH-90.

Dare I say its the first Aussie assembled ship #5 in first test flight????????"

You got it here first at ADF-Serials

Gordy :o

[Mick Raftery]

Perhaps the one - crossed the Brisbane runway this afternoon while the hordes were catching the QANTAS Dugong departure.

Couldn't ID a number - towed into hangar before I could battle the traffic to get a closer peek.

Mick

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[Warhawk]

Cool!

Still getting over seeing a Army Captain (AAv Pilot) flying a BAe Hawk in the RAAF at the Airshow.

Looks like the AFC could be reforming

Can't wait to see Hawks in Green/Tan and Black Camo :)

Ciao
Gordy

[Mick Raftery]

A40-001




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[Mick Raftery]

Apologies for the quality of the pix - on the wrong side of Brisbane's main runway again ! Hope to get a closer view of A40-001 soon.

Mick



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[Demon50]

Anyone know how long it takes to build a helicopter as the production of the MRH90s seems awfully slow ?

There was a photo of an unpainted example flying in early October, nearly six months ago, which I presume was the first Australian assembled machine but I would have thought the production would be ramping up by now.

[Mick Raftery]

Out at Brisbane today to see the launch of V-Australia BNE-LAX and spotted a camouflaged A40-006 test-flying.

Mick

[gph]

Achtung! MRH90 at 12o'clock!!!

Any idea why A40-015 has been awarded the Iron Cross folks?




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[Warhawk]

That is indeed weird. The Germans use the prefix 98+ as a test rego

And being #15, it can't be apparently assembled/built in Oz,..as we're up to only #8,...to be delivered soon.

Weird,..real weird,....does that mean that #15 is a Eurocopter Built machine freighted in like #1/2/3 and 4?????????? Weird

Is it a airbrush???????? I'm stumped

Maybe retouched pic of #1?????? Where is #1? Still in Europe?????

Can't read the boom serial under the tail rotor

Gordy <_<

[Demon50]

Weird indeed !!!

I was incredulous at first sight then I thought an image had been retouched and photoshopped. But why ? Where did it originate ? Like Warhawk I didn't think we were that far into production with maybe 8/10 at most so far.

If that image is published in the popular press, wow, there will be an outrcy even though it may be fake.

And if some people were offended by C13O nose art, I wonder how they would feel seeing German markings, albeit post war style, on an Australian Army helicopter ?

[gph]

Not sure where they were taken, sent to me by a mate here in Oz.

Here are another two shots of the same bird.


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[gph]

The other side.

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[Martin Edwards]

EADS Donauworth.
The test flights are being performed under German military regulations, hence a mandatory German serial and roundel.
German serial is 98+96; Australian will be A40-015 and c/n should be 1243/TAUA15

taken from;
http://www.scramble.nl/forum/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=55415&start=0

[gph]

Verrrrry interrresting! :D